Electro-Optic Modulator (IMAGE) University of Washington Caption The image below envisions an integrated circuit board communicating with light rather than electrons to enable faster and more energy efficient communication. The key is a new electro-optical switch, which rounds up photons on a sub-wavelength scale to translate electrical bit streams to optical bit streams. A customary fiber (size of a human hair) bends in from the left to serve as a reference for size. Credit ETH Zurich Usage Restrictions Embargoed until 1 p.m EDT on 4/25/18 License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.